The world of cinema has lost one of its greatest stars. Robert Redford passed away at 89 years old, leaving a legacy that transcends decades and defines the very essence of Hollywood. Actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Institute, Redford was not just a charming heartthrob but a complete artist whose influence shaped independent cinema and launched countless careers.
To honor his memory, the best way is to revisit the magic he created on screen. From iconic westerns to complex political thrillers and unforgettable romances, his filmography is a treasure. Here are the 12 best films of Robert Redford that prove why he will be remembered forever.
From Outlaw to Journalist: The Roles that Defined a Generation
Redford’s career is marked by legendary partnerships and performances that became part of pop culture. He had the rare ability to be both charming and intensely serious, bringing depth to every character.
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1. Butch Cassidy (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, 1969)
It’s impossible to talk about Robert Redford without mentioning this film. Alongside Paul Newman, he formed one of the most charismatic duos in cinema history. As the “Sundance Kid,” Redford is the rebellious soul and fast gunman who, along with Butch Cassidy, tries to escape the law after a train robbery goes wrong. The film is a masterpiece of adventure, comedy, and drama, solidifying Redford as a top-tier star.
2. All the President’s Men (All the President’s Men, 1976)
In this quintessential political thriller, Redford plays journalist Bob Woodward, who, alongside Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman), investigates the Watergate scandal for The Washington Post. It is a lesson in tense and meticulous cinema, highlighting the power of investigative journalism. Redford’s performance is restrained, smart, and absolutely captivating.
3. The Sting (The Sting, 1973)
Reuniting the golden duo, Redford and Paul Newman shine again in this complex story of con artists seeking revenge for a friend’s death. The film is charming, clever, and full of twists, earning Redford his only Oscar nomination for Best Actor and winning Best Picture.
4. The Way We Were (The Way We Were, 1973)
A classic and moving romance. Redford and Barbra Streisand portray a couple of opposites — him, a carefree writer; her, a passionate political activist — whose love is tested by their irreconcilable differences over the years. The chemistry between them is electric, making the story of love and loss even more impactful.
5. Three Days of the Condor (Three Days of the Condor, 1975)
A paranoid espionage thriller from the 70s. Redford is a low-level CIA analyst who comes back from lunch to find all his co-workers murdered. Forced to flee, he must figure out who to trust while being hunted by his own agency. It’s a film that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
6. The Great Gatsby (The Great Gatsby, 1974)
Before Leonardo DiCaprio, it was Robert Redford who brought the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby to life. In this adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, Redford captures Gatsby’s melancholy and desperate hope in his quest for the lost love Daisy Buchanan (Mia Farrow), amidst the luxury and decadence of the 1920s.
7. Jeremiah Johnson (Jeremiah Johnson, 1972)
In this existential western, Redford plays a war veteran who decides to abandon civilization to live as a mountain man. It’s a film about survival, loneliness, and the brutal confrontation between man and wild nature. One of his most physical and introspective performances.
A curiosity is that a scene from this film became famous on the internet for showing Redford nodding positively.
8. The Horse Whisperer (The Horse Whisperer, 1998)
Acting and also directing, Redford is a rancher with a special gift for healing traumatized horses. He is called to help a young woman (played by a young Scarlett Johansson) and her horse after a devastating accident. It is a sensitive story about healing, patience, and unexpected connections.
9. Barefoot in the Park (Barefoot in the Park, 1967)
A delightful romantic comedy that showcases Redford’s talent for humor. Alongside Jane Fonda, he plays a straight-laced lawyer newly married to a free-spirited woman. Their differences create hilarious situations as they try to adapt to married life in a small New York apartment.
10. Indecent Proposal (Indecent Proposal, 1993)
One of the most talked-about films of the 90s. Redford plays a billionaire who offers a financially struggling couple (Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson) one million dollars to spend a night with the wife. The film raises complex moral questions and became a pop culture landmark at the time.
11. The Candidate (The Candidate, 1972)
A sharp and still relevant political satire. Redford is an idealistic lawyer convinced to run for Senate, believing he stands no chance of winning. However, as his campaign gains momentum, he begins to compromise his own values.
12. All Is Lost (All Is Lost, 2013)
In one of his last great performances, Redford commands the screen alone. He plays a solitary sailor whose sailboat collides with a container at sea. With very few dialogues, the film is a tour de force of physical acting, showing a man’s desperate struggle against the elements to survive.
The Legacy Beyond the Screen: The Visionary of Sundance
Robert Redford’s contribution to cinema goes far beyond his acting. In 1981, he founded the Sundance Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers, playwrights, and artists. The Sundance Film Festival, which was born from the institute, became the most important independent film festival in the world, responsible for launching the careers of directors like Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, and Paul Thomas Anderson.
His work as a director also earned him an Oscar for “Ordinary People” (Ordinary People, 1980), proving that his talent was equally powerful behind the camera.
Robert Redford was more than an actor; he was an architect of modern cinema. His work will continue to inspire and entertain generations, ensuring his star never fades.
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